Breast Revision in New York, NY

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in America, and in many cases produces terrific outcomes. However, sometimes a woman can be unhappy with the results of her breast augmentation procedure and at some point may want breast revision surgery. It is important to note not all revision treatments are due to a practitioner error. While there are a few surgeries that do end with an unpleasing outcome, there are also women who wish to have a different size implant, while others may have a visible irregularity and would like to have the breast implant revised or taken out all together. In addition, there are some women who must have revision surgery for a particular condition. New York plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Koch offers breast revision surgery and gives thorough exams and consultations at each of our three facilities so that the appropriate outcome is attained.

If you have any problems (whether medical or aesthetic) about your breast implants, please schedule a consultative appointment with Dr. Koch to go over your wants and needs and to develop your personalized plan for breast revision surgery. Whether it is scarring, drooping or sagging, rippling, or asymmetry, revision surgery can help correct the issue and result in a more normal and healthy outcome. This procedure can also help if you are wanting to change size, implant styles, or address any other aspect of your breasts.

Breast revision surgery either takes out an implant that no longer functions or is no longer wanted. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to switch implant size or go from an implant to a fat transfer (or vice versa). There are a few other common cases in which a revision procedure is desired or required:

Even though this is uncommon, implant rupture can possibly occur. If a saline implant ruptures, deflation will take place almost immediately. Therefore, a visible appearance will occur. On the other hand, if the implant is silicone based and ruptures, it is only seen through an MRI. Whether silicone or saline, if a rupture happens, a corrective procedure will be required.

This is the term used for scar tissue hardening, that occurs when the delicate tissue around the saline or silicone implant becomes hard and thickens. Although many implant surgeries do result in some internal scar tissue, most women will never see or feel it. In some instances, the scarring could interfere with implant placement, which can change the breast shape and implant functionality, delivering an undesirable outcome. Capsular contracture surgery to reduce scarring would be recommended.

Asymmetry occurs when the implant sizes look disproportionate. This is because of a wrong size implant placement, drooping on one side, or another condition that may cause asymmetry. A thorough assessment would need to be performed to determine what is leading to the asymmetry, then surgery would be needed to correct the problem, and finally new implants would be positioned to create a symmetrical result.

Bottoming out is a condition that happens when one or both breasts drop too low or "bottom out." In many cases this is a case of a positioning error that occurred in the first operation. To modify this issue, a new placement strategy may be needed. In some cases, tissue grafting most likely will be needed, as well as a surgically formed pocket to securely fit the new implant. For most women, switching to a silicone implant usually will solve this problem.

Symmastia is a condition that takes place when implants are inserted and placed too close together. In most cases, this is because the implant used was the wrong shape and width. A revision treatment will correct this problem by choosing an implant that fits your body type and looks pleasing to the eye.

This condition occurs when there is obvious rippling and wrinkles beneath the skin. Generally, this irregularity forms just along the edging of the implant. Rippling is more common in patients who are of low body weight. Often, this condition can be fixed by simply changing to a silicone implant.

There are times a secondary breast surgery is as simple as receiving a smaller or larger sized implant. With the original surgery, you may have opted to go too conservative or gone a bit too large. A new breast implant size can be inserted to reach the desired look.

After your surgery and an observation period, you can go home to start your recovery. Recovery from a revision surgery varies based upon the complexity of your surgery. Revision surgery that warrants complex revision techniques will need a longer recovery that could possibly take up to several months. You should begin to see your results once the swelling begins to disappear. Dr. Koch or a member of his team will go over what should be expected during your recovery as well as recommendations to help speed your healing. You should attend follow-up appointments as directed so Dr. Koch can assess your recovery and results.

How much does breast revision surgery cost?
The cost of breast revision surgery can vary greatly depending on what needs to be done for correction. During your consultation, Dr. Koch will listen to your concerns and goals before performing a physical exam to assess your implants. Then, he can talk about your options before developing your surgical plan. The cost of revision surgery will depend on the complexity of the procedure, as well as what you choose for your new implants. To help make your surgery more affordable, our practice accepts many different payment methods and we can also help you find low-interest financing.

What if Dr. Koch wasn't my original surgeon?
Dr. Koch can perform your revision surgery even if he wasn't the surgeon who did your original breast augmentation. Breast revision surgery can be more complex than the original augmentation if you want dramatic changes or have problems, so it's best to find a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Koch who has years of experience and advanced training in breast surgery. Dr. Koch also welcomes his patients to return to our practice for revision surgery after their augmentation surgery if they have a problem or want a change.

What about loose skin?
If you are having your implants removed or are changing to a significantly smaller size of implants, you may need to have excess skin removed during your surgery. After listening to your goals and assessing your current implants, Dr. Koch can discuss the need for a breast lift to remove loose skin. If you lose a significant amount of weight, become pregnant, or breastfeed after augmentation surgery, a revision with a lift can help you get better results.

Will there be new scars?
When possible, Dr. Koch will make incisions for revision surgery in the original augmentation incisions. However, if this is not possible, he will place the new incisions where they will be less visible. Breast revision surgery typically uses a transaxillary incision (through the armpit), a periareolar incision (on the lower edge of the areola), an inframammary incision (under the fold of the breast), or TUBA incision (through the belly button). Dr. Koch or a member of his team will go over scar care management so your incisions heal smoothly and blend into your skin.

Do I have to change my implants?
While implants can last a long time, they do need to be replaced at some point. After augmentation surgery, it is important to have your implants checked regularly so Dr. Koch can help you decide when your implants should be replaced. With so many advances in the medical field, you may want to consider the newest implant shapes and types to achieve your best look during breast revision surgery.

Revision surgery for breast implants is a custom treatment tailored for your aesthetic goals by Dr. Koch. If you notice a visible defect with your breast implants or desire a different outcome, we welcome you to get in touch with one of our New York offices to make your appointment at Dr. Koch. There are so many factors to think about and Dr. Koch will perform a full physical assessment, create your revision treatment plan, and help set realistic outcome expectations.